Why do we need to conserve biodiversity?

Answer 1

Biodiversity is important at every level1. Because we live in a complex system where every living thing depends on something else in the system, down to the tiniest contributing members. It is important that we actively pursue a clear and current understanding of the system in which we live in order to monitor and maintain it.

2. Because God made the world and everything in it, and gave it to man to cultivate, care for and protect. (spiritual version)

3. Because there are still so many species we have not yet even found. Many of these still being discovered have and will yielded volumes of information about our world and cures for our ailments. The most resent discoveries have advanced our ability to fight cancer. (humanitarian version)

4. Because Biodiversity is declining and we need to understand why, how it is going to effect us all, if we are causing it or if we can afford to help maintain it, and if it benefits us to maintain it. (political version)

5. Because biodiversity is the origin of beauty in the world and to study it is to cultivate the heart.

*6* Biodiversity is key when an ecosystem experiences a disturbance. This can be a fire, flood, disease epidemic etc. A more diverse community that have different adaptive strategies will be more likely to survive and rebound.